Slithering into celebration: Chinese people embrace snakes as new zodiac symbol

MODERN SIGNIFICANCE

Historically, parts of snakes, such as their skin and gall, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat ailments and promote longevity.

While snake hunting has diminished significantly due to stricter laws protecting wildlife, snake farming for medical purposes continues in some parts of China.

In 2022, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region established a medicinal snake professional committee to regulate the industry. Today, around 200 snake farms are spread throughout the region.

In the folk traditions of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups, medicinal snakes are believed to have therapeutic properties, such as strengthening bones, easing rheumatism, promoting circulation, and alleviating skin disorders.